minority influence

social pressure exerted on the majority of a group by a smaller faction of the group. Studies suggest that minorities who argue consistently prompt the group to reconsider even long-held or previously unquestioned assumptions and procedures. Majority influence tends to be direct and results in conformity, but minority influence is indirect and instigates innovation and conversion, as the members of the majority struggle to validate their judgments.

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Psychology term of the day

April 30th 2024

National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA)

Sorry, "national-parent-teachers-association-npta" is not in the Dictionary of Psychology. Please report to APA if you believe this is an error.